Get Ready to Meet the Queen of Prawns at Carla’s in Muizenberg

Hey there! Let me tell you all about my experience at Carla’s in Muizenberg. It was about a year ago when I first laid eyes on this restaurant during the day. And let me tell you, it immediately caught my attention! Even though it wasn’t open yet, I made a promise to myself that I would come back. And guess what? I finally did! Spending a night in Muizenberg gave me the perfect chance to cross it off my restaurant wishlist, and boy, am I glad I did.

As I strolled alongside my friend, we crossed the railway tracks that led us from Surfers’ Corner to York Street in the early evening. Our curiosity guided us towards a warm and inviting destination adorned with whimsical twinkling lights. These little beacons encircled the entrance of Carla’s restaurant, adding a touch of magic to the scene.

Upon reaching our destination, we noticed two small round tables, each accompanied by a pair of chairs. A name, “Carla’s,” glowed in bright Broadway lights, capturing our attention. To top it off, an old-fashioned “welcome” sign greeted us as we approached the door.

As we stepped inside, a sense of unpretentious bohemian charm engulfed us, instantly making us feel right at home. Decor inspired by Mozambique adorned the walls, infusing the space with a unique character. The menu, written on a chalkboard intertwined with delicate flower lights, added a touch of whimsy to the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the tables were cheerfully dressed in vibrant, plastic tablecloths, further enhancing the restaurant’s joyful ambiance.

Our hearts were instantly captivated by the enchanting setting, and even more so by Carla herself – the carefree and genuine owner of this hidden gem.

I often get asked if I still make those tasty prawns. And my answer is always a resounding yes! It’s funny how people act surprised, as if I stopped making them. But no, I’ve never stopped. They’re just as scrumptious as they’ve always been.

Hey there! I’ve got a story to tell you about Carla, the amazing owner of a Mozambican restaurant. She’s been running her place for more than eight years, and let me tell you, she knows how to make her customers feel special. As soon as you walk in, Carla greets you with a warm smile, like an old friend. She’s got that incredible memory, too, and can remember just about everyone who walks through her door.

Carla isn’t like other restaurant owners who are always too busy to chat. Oh no, she makes sure she’s got time for a friendly conversation with each of her patrons. Once you’re all settled at your table, she takes a moment to crack open a bottle of wine for you and chats away while you both enjoy a sip or two.

After a little while, Carla heads to the kitchen to make sure her chef is doing alright. She’s got a real team spirit, you know? But don’t worry, she won’t leave you hanging for long. Before you know it, she’s back at your table, holding a bowl for those pesky prawn shells and a whole bunch of napkins. She’s always thinking ahead, this lady! And then, like magic, she appears with a tasty plate of Mozambican prawns.

These little critters are staring up at you with their big, black eyes, accompanied by a scattering of fresh coriander, a heap of rice, and some yummy olives. Carla’s always got a cheerful smile on her face as she places the plate in front of you and says, “Enjoy!” Then, off she goes to another table to spread more joy.

‘Enjoying’ doesn’t quite capture it. We savored every single moment. We tore off heads and scooped out the succulent flesh. Our fingers and shells were coated in sauce, and we couldn’t resist licking them clean. The pile of discarded shells grew rapidly, while our stack of napkins diminished along with the last remaining tail. And in no time at all, our plates were completely empty. Not a single grain of rice or olive remained. Well, except for maybe a stray antenna or two if you really searched. We looked up from our now empty plates and were taken aback by the sight. In the span of just thirty minutes, the restaurant had filled up. It happened so quickly, just like our satisfied bellies.

So, what’s cooking? Prawns, prawns, and more prawns! And let me tell you, Carla knows how to make them shine. That’s why everyone calls her the Queen of Prawns. On a bustling night, she can whip up a whopping 10 kilograms of these tasty critters. Now, let me share a little secret with you. All of Carla’s prawns come from Mozambique, straight to your plate. And here’s the best part: Carla’s got a secret sauce that will blow your taste buds away. It’s a recipe she holds close to her heart, and boy, is it delicious!

But hold on a second. What if you’re not a seafood lover? Don’t you worry. Carla’s got you covered. You can sink your teeth into a juicy steak, paired with some golden egg and chips. Or how about a scrumptious bowl of Caldo Verde? Picture this: velvety potato soup with a vibrant twist of spinach and drizzles of olive oil. And if you’re in the mood for something fresh, Carla’s got a tossed salad waiting for you. Imagine a medley of chickpeas, olives, and the fragrant touch of coriander. It’s a flavor explosion right there on your plate!

Now, let’s talk dessert because no meal is complete without a little something sweet. And in Carla’s kingdom, there’s one true dessert to rule them all: Chocolate Mousse Cake. It’s a slice of heaven that’ll make your taste buds sing. Rich, velvety chocolate mousse layered with pure indulgence. Trust me when I tell you, this is a dessert worth savoring.

Let me tell you about the delightful hostess. She’s all the way from Mozambique, and she’s always ready with a smile and a friendly chat. When she took over this restaurant 8 years ago, it was just a humble coffee shop. People warned her that she would fail because Muizenberg was being overrun by gangs and drug dealers. But you know what? She proved them all wrong. With these 8 tables, she bought her own house! It goes to show that when you do something with passion, you can do it well and find success. Carla is truly an inspiration to all of us.

Before we say our goodbyes, Carla reveals something else: she hasn’t raised her prices in 6 years. And honestly, we hope she doesn’t change anything else either. This place is a little prawn paradise in Muizenberg, where you can indulge in a finger-licking meal alongside the locals.

Here are the restaurant’s hours:
From 4:00 PM until late, Monday to Saturday.

Contact me at:
7 York Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town.
Call me on 021-788-6860 or email me at [email protected] .

Things to keep in mind:
I offer house wines and beer, but you are more than welcome to bring your favorite bottle of wine.
I like to keep things simple, so please have cash on hand as I don’t accept credit cards.

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If you need a place to stay in Muizenberg, visit Getaway Accommodation for a wide range of options.